The producers of the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’ have canceled their 2026 performances at the Kennedy Center following President Donald Trump’s overhaul of the center’s leadership.
According to the minds behind the historical musical, Trump’s decision to fire the center’s president and board members and install himself as chairman marks a shift towards a more partisan institution.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and producer Jeffrey Seller stated that ‘Hamilton’ cannot participate in a politicized environment that contradicts the spirit of the arts and the original nonpartisan nature of the Kennedy Center.
“Political disagreement and debate are vital expressions of democracy. These basic concepts of freedom are at the very heart of ‘Hamilton,’” wrote Seller in a statement. “However, some institutions are sacred and should be protected from politics. The Kennedy Center is one such institution.”
A statement from Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller. pic.twitter.com/yTLlrzFAHW
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) March 5, 2025
Learn more about the all-new VT News and subscribe today!
Trump’s actions are part of a broader campaign against what he calls ‘woke’ culture, and he criticized the center for featuring performances like drag shows.
In response to the statement, Ric Grenell, the center’s interim president, denounced the decision as a political stunt from the oft-politicized play.
“Let’s be clear on the facts. Seller and [Miranda] first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they can’t be in the same room with Republicans. This is a publicity stunt that will backfire,” Grenell said. “The Arts are for everyone – not just for the people who Lin likes and agrees with. The American people need to know that [Lin Manuel Miranda] is intolerant of people who don’t agree with him politically. It’s clear he and Sellers don’t want Republicans going to their shows. Americans see you, Lin.”
Let’s be clear on the facts.
Seller and @Lin_Manuel first went to the New York Times before they came to the Kennedy Center with their announcement that they can’t be in the same room with Republicans.
This is a publicity stunt that will backfire.
The Arts are for everyone -… https://t.co/K56LjofULp
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) March 5, 2025
The Kennedy Center has experienced controversy and further cancellations by artists such as Issa Rae and Rhiannon Giddens, sparking discussions on political influence in the arts.
Add comment